Happy Valley irrelevant in Gladstone debate Save Gladstone makes a false comparison in their literature between two completely different sets of circumstances in building the Happy Valley and Gladstone libraries. Comparing apples to oranges does not lead to reliable conclusions.

The new library at Happy Valley does not belong to the residents of Happy Valley. The land and building belong to Clackamas County. Unless Happy Valley purchases the building and land, they will remain subject to whatever decisions the county makes in the future regarding that site.

Since Save Gladstone is so concerned that Gladstone is paying more than its share, it may be worth pointing out the obvious. In the 21st year (for 20-year financing) or the 16th year (for 15-year financing), the citizens of Gladstone would own a library fair and square -- a claim that Happy Valley cannot make. This now becomes an asset owned by the citizens of Gladstone that we will have paid only 26 percent for. That is a return on investment that private-sector firms would die for.

— Susan Liston, Gladstone Group's 'playbook' deserves scrutiny It's about time the citizens of Gladstone, specifically the supporters of Save Gladstone, read through the playbook that goes beyond the May 15 election and start investigating Save Gladstone's long-term plans for the land -- and how they plan to fund their pet projects.